The effects of mindfulness-based training in virtual reality on psychotic symptoms, mood and cognitive functioning - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES:Virtual reality (VR) is growing in popularity in treating various psychiatric disorders, including psychotic ones. However, no studies have been published on mindfulness interventions aided by virtual reality in psychotic patients to date. METHODS:25 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assessed at three time points with 4-week intervals using the six-item Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-6), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III). Additionally, the intensity of seven emotions was rated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after each training session. RESULTS:The subjects achieved a significant reduction in symptom severity after completing mindfulness training. This was reflected by the PANSS-6 total score, as well as by the subscales for negative and positive symptoms. A significant increase in cognitive functioning (ACE-III scores) was also found. No significant changes in these measures were observed when only the standard intervention was used. CONCLUSIONS:Our study indicates good feasibility of the developed mindfulness intervention in VR in schizophrenic patients. The results indicate potential benefits in terms of lessening of the symptoms and improvement in cognition.